Drinking Water Contamination at Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, India due to Equine Waste: A Case Study in Environmental Risk Management

Water contamination falls in the high health risk band and is a critical issue for health risk assessment globally. The present research on the health risk management of contaminated drinking water in Mahabaleshwar focuses on diseases caused by water pollution, generally of zoonotic origin, and specifically of equine origin, an area where not much scientific research is documented. It assesses the health risk to citizens, especially vulnerable populations like children, due to the presence of salmonella, faecal coliform bacteria and Rotavirus in drinking water sources, in Mahabaleshwar, a prominent and popular tourist destination with horse-related activities, exposing both local and tourist populations to this high health risk of contaminated drinking water. It investigates empirically the correlation between horse excreta and water contamination, assessing pollution channels, extent, and health risks using medical records and scientific laboratory assessments. Prior research indicates that mismanagement of horse waste can cause environmental contamination through bacteria and viruses, particularly Rotavirus, Salmonella, and E. coli bacteria. However, its effects on human health remain under explored. This study fills this gap by applying risk management principles to assess hazard exposure in a tourism-dependent location, where horse excreta is a major contaminant. The study suggests a solution strategy for decontamination while not compromising the economic survival of the horse owners. Keywords: health risk management, equine waste management, drinking water contamination, faecal coliform bacteria, Rotavirus